Unlike total knee replacement surgery, this less-invasive procedure replaces only the damaged or arthritic parts of the knee.
Part of the damaged femur is removed so the surgeon can access the damaged portion of the tibia.
Damaged meniscus is removed from the joint. Some bone is also removed to make room for the new tibial plastic component.
Cement is added to the newly prepared area. The plastic tibial component is pressed into place.
A small amount of bone is removed from the damaged, arthritic area of the femoral condyle. An opening is created for the metal femoral component.
The area is filled with bone cement. The metal femoral component is pressed into place.
The new parts of the knee joint are tested by flexing and extending the knee through its range of motion.